5 Resorts for Early Season Skiing & Snowboarding in Austria!

The air is getting chillier, the leaves are falling, and now all I can think about is ski season. If you’re anything like me, having the chance to ski the Alps is a dream come true and I’ve been lucky enough to have the chance to do it for almost four fabulous winters. Unfortunately, the snow hasn’t been substantial over the last few years causing some of the closest resorts to delay their openings. This has been especially true in Germany, however, just over the border in Austria, a world of options awaits.

The Austrian Alps include glaciers and high elevation mountain ranges that benefit from the perfect environmental conditions to ensure early snow and early openings. Many of these resorts prepare their lifts and accommodations to open in the fall and offer discounted “off season” rates. This helps save money all around and avoid the crowds that are sure to flood the mountains later in the season. Searching AirBnB, Booking.com, and directly through the resort’s website are all great ways to compare deals and accommodations.

Below are five resorts that are easily drivable from Germany, and some have lifts and runs opening as early as September! If you are interested in ski schools, be sure to contact them directly as some open later than the resorts, but exceptions can often be made.

5. Obertauern Ski Area, runs open as early as November 16, 2016! Altitude up to 2,313 meters and 100 km of pistes (runs). The region also promotes a decent après ski scene as well as wellness and relaxation. There are kid-friendly runs and interactive recreation areas on the mountain as well as excellent views. The resort area is bowl shaped, surrounded on all sides by alpine peaks.

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